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How to Hire a Reliable Moving Company

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How to Hire a Reliable Moving Company

Getting settled into your new home can be a transformative experience. Starting fresh in a new space is like hitting the reset button on your life, sparking fresh energy, new ideas and a buzz of excitement.

But the process of moving? Not so much.

Check out the One Stop Self Storage home page, packing up everything in your old home, transporting it to your new home and unpacking it all is a daunting task. Many homeowners opt to alleviate some of the headache by hiring moving companies to deal with most of the logistics and heavy lifting. But hiring a third party can be fraught with potential problems such as delays, overcharging and loss.

If you’re getting ready to hire a moving company, here’s what you need to know to find one that is reliable.

Ask for recommendations

Start by asking friends, family, co-workers and local real estate agents for recommendations. You’ll find out quickly which companies are worth looking into and which ones you should avoid.

Research each company

The next step is to do some preliminary research on each company you are considering. Do an online search for reviews and contact the Better Business Bureau to find out if any complaints have been registered about them. If you will be moving to Queens in New York City, you may start searching for Queens movers online to look at their services and customer reviews.

Arrange for an in-home estimate

Ask each company to come to your home and give you an estimate. While they are there, make sure to show them everything that needs to be moved as well as any stairs they will need to deal with and how far away from your home they can park their truck. Ask the company for a written estimate with a guaranteed cap. In addition, ask if they use subcontractors or if they will be conducting the move themselves. Get all their contact information, any other names they may conduct business under and their state and federal license numbers. If any company won’t come to your home or give you any of this information, take them out of the running.

Compare estimates

Now that you’ve collected your estimates, compare them. Any bids that come in low should be treated with caution. If several are in the same range, you can contact each to see if they will negotiate.

Research more thoroughly

You’ve got your list narrowed down at this point – now is the time to research each company in more detail. Are they active in your community? Have they won any awards? Do they have any specialties, such as moving valuable antiques or working in a high-rise? In addition, check to make sure they have the license and insurance they need for your state.

Choose your mover

At this point, you’ve thoroughly researched each prospective company, had them come to your home and have gotten a written estimate. Based on your communications with them, now is the time to choose which local movers company to work with. Once you’ve chosen your movers and secured their services, be sure to give them directions to your new home, and get a contact phone number for them for the day of the move.

While moving is a complex process that can be potentially stressful, taking the time to adequately vet potential local removals companies will go a long way towards giving you peace of mind when the time comes to relocate.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Refresh Your Garden for Spring

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Refresh Your Garden for SpringDo you hear that?

It’s the first breathy sigh of your spring garden, waking up from its winter’s nap. Longer days, warmer temperatures and dreams of lazy afternoons spent lounging among the flowers is enough to get any homeowner motivated to get their garden ready for the coming months.

If you long to get outside and get your hands dirty in preparation for spring, here are some great ideas to get you started. If you need professional landscape services, you may consider hiring landscapers.

Trim and tidy

The end of winter is an excellent time to get Folsom Tree Service to prune and cut back the plants, bushes and trees in your garden before they get new spring growth. However, it’s a good idea to wait until any danger of frost has passed before wielding those pruning shears, as cutting back during a freezing spell can mean doom for some plants. You won’t have to worry about the process of tree pruning when you hire professionals from Tree MD. Remove any annuals from the previous season and compost them. Keeping your trees in shape is easy with the best tree trimming service fairfield ca.

Remove weeds

While most homeowners don’t love the idea of spending an afternoon pulling weeds, it goes a long way right now – not only does it reduce the number that are propagating in your garden, but it also makes your yard look clean and tidy. Weeds are generally easier to remove at this time of year, as they have shallow roots that can easily be pulled from moist soil. Try to get as many as you can while they’re still small – it’ll save unnecessary back strain down the line.

Divide and conquer

Some varieties of perennial plants do well when they are divided and transplanted. It’s also an easy and inexpensive way to add new plants to your landscape. Dig up perennials to be divided just as they are starting to grow, and transplant into new spots that have been amended with compost to give the divisions the best possible start. You can also get a mini greenhouse from Sage Horticultural to give your plants extra protection.

Fertilize

All your plants and flowers enjoy a healthy dose of fertilizer in the spring as they begin to grow. If you have compost, add a layer of it to existing beds to give the soil a boost, or apply organic or synthetic fertilizer as new growth appears.

Add mulch

Mulch does wonderful things for your garden. It acts as a barrier to keep weeds from sprouting, it helps soil retain moisture and it gives the garden a polished look. As mulch starts to break down it also adds beneficial nutrients to the soil. So go ahead and give your garden beds a nice thick blanket of mulch – just be sure to keep it away from the trunks of trees and stems of tender plants.

Prepare feeders

Any garden can be made more magical with the addition of bird feeders and baths that attract local and migratory birds. If you have any in your garden, now is the time to clean them thoroughly to avoid build-up of bacteria or mold or else you will need to go through a mold removal process. Contact a Mold Removal company if your home has suffered from water damage.

Get the lawn ready

If you have grass, take time to give it a good raking to remove any dead growth and debris that has accumulated over the winter. This allows air and light to penetrate the soil, stimulating all that glorious new green growth for spring.

You may also consider installing a retaining wall around your garden to make it look more cohesive and appealing.

If the promise of spring has you yearning to get outside, go ahead and give in to the urge. Taking a little time now to get your yard ready and do tree pruning for the coming warm weather can be beneficial to your garden – and to you!

Make Your Wood Floors Look Like New

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Make Your Wood Floors Look Like NewDid you buy an older home because you fell in love with its character? Many homes built in previous decades or centuries feature details that often aren’t prevalent in new construction, such as Dutch doors, transom windows and even dumbwaiters or laundry chutes.

First time sanding a floor? Contact Timber Flooring Melbourne if you want your floors to radiate elegance and durability, making a lasting impression on all who enter your space.

One of the most attractive features in many older homes are the hardwood flooring. But years of wear and tear can leave them looking dull, scratched or dingy. If your home’s hardwood floors need a makeover, follow these steps to have them looking like new.

Sweep and repair

After emptying the room of all its furniture, give the floor a good sweep and vacuum to get rid of all the dirt and grit. This is also the best time to deal with repairs, such as sinking nail heads, filling in scratches or patching holes.

Clean with appropriate cleaner

Next, you’ll want do floor cleaning with an appropriate cleaner, such as Murphy’s Oil Soap or Bona Floor Cleaner. It’s important not to use regular soap or harsh chemicals on your hardwood floor, as they can leave a residue or damage the wood with too much moisture. Let the floor dry.

Polish and seal

After the floor is dry, apply a thin layer of polish evenly around the room. The polish will help to moisturize the wood and leave it shiny. Polishes can be purchased with either a satin or glossy finish, depending on your tastes. Some floors benefit from a second coat; follow instructions on the label to determine how much time should elapse between applications. Be sure to give the floor plenty of time to dry before moving furniture back in – in some cases up to three days.

Buffing and waxing

Sometimes cleaning and polishing just doesn’t give your floor the love it needs to restore its luster, especially if it is already finished with wax or shellac. In this case, you can use a floor buffer to remove the top layer of finish off the floor. Buffers can be rented for around $50 a day, just be sure the buffer has a sanding screen so you don’t remove too much of the surface of the floor. Clean the dust and follow with a floor wax, which can be buffed to a shine once it dries.

When to call a professional

If none of the above techniques give you the results you desire, it may be time to consider hardwood refinishing. This technique requires more time and know-how, so even though you can rent a sander to do the job yourself, it might be best to hire a professional. Go to https://vidaspace.co.nz/ to see their products and services. Not only will they properly sand your floor, they will also re-stain and seal it, restoring your beautiful floors to their former glory, which, with the proper care, will last you for many years to come. You may want new flooring, for that buy timber flooring Frankston.

Nothing gives a home warmth and character quite like a well-cared for hardwood floor. A wood floor refinishing is worth the investment; not only does it renew your home’s energy, it can even increase its value.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Could You Live in a Tiny House?

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Could You Live in a Tiny House?

Do you fantasize about downsizing? Do you dream of having less to take care of so you have more time for yourself to do the things you enjoy?

You’re not alone. Minimalism is trending in our culture right now, from de-cluttering your life with the KonMari Method to cultivating a capsule wardrobe. By the looks of it, many of us are craving less, not more.

Minimalism as a housing concept

This trend to minimize the amount of stuff we own has spilled over into the very homes we live in, and is most apparent in the tiny house movement. While the average American home is approximately 2,600 square feet in size, these tiny houses extoll the virtues of living in homes that are no larger than 400 square feet.

Why are tiny houses so popular?

There may be some of you out there who can’t fathom why anyone would want to live in such an extremely small space. But there are actually some great arguments for re-imagining your life on a smaller scale. These include:

  • Living in a way that decreases your environmental footprint and encourages eco-conscious choices.
  • Decreasing the amount of money you spend on your home from month-to-month, including mortgage payments and general upkeep.
  • Having more time, money and freedom to spend on things you love doing.

Is a tiny house right for you?

Paring down your possessions and living in a much smaller space isn’t necessarily for everyone. If you’re thinking of taking the tiny house plunge, here are some things you should consider first:

  • Where will you put your home? Not all municipalities are on board with the tiny house movement or haven’t updated their zoning laws, so be sure you have secured a space for your tiny home before you build or buy it. You will need to have access to a good RV Storage Facility.
  • Do you want to travel with your home? These small spaces can be built on a foundation or on wheels, if you’ve got a bit of wanderlust.
  • Will this lifestyle work for your family? If you’re single, it’s easy to try out tiny house living. But if you have kids and pets, you have to consider their needs as well. Count on at least 100 square feet per person at minimum.
  • How will you handle utilities? If you opt for wheels, you can hook up your tiny home in a RV campground. But if you are building on a piece of land, you’ll need to consider how you will get electricity, sewage, water and even Internet access. Be sure to include these costs when you plan.
  • Why are you interested in a tiny house? If your primary goal is to save money, there may be better alternatives that don’t require such an adjustment in your lifestyle. However, if you like the idea of living in a more environmentally conscious way and spending more of your time pursuing your passions instead of maintaining your home, a tiny home may be just the ticket. Buy an RV with Guaranteed Approval RV Loans.

If you’re considering living in a tiny home, take time to educate yourself about the lifestyle and prepare for all the potential issues that may arise. While tiny house living has been an incredibly positive experience for some, it may or may not be the perfect situation for you.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Transform Your Attic

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Transform Your Attic

If you’re a homeowner who has been looking for ways to increase the square footage of your living space, but you’re hesitant to build a new addition to your existing home, have you thought about looking up?

Unfinished attics are an excellent way to increase the size of your home while avoiding some of the obstacles like zoning restrictions and easement concerns that come with building an addition.

Convert your attic into a new living space

Attic conversions can be used in a number of ways to cater to the growing needs of your family. Some of the best uses of an attic space include:

  • Bedroom – Having a peaceful place to slumber away from the noise and activity of the more heavily trafficked areas of your home can be a real blessing, especially for those who have trouble sleeping. Just be sure to include a closet and a window in order to claim the space as a bedroom when it comes time to sell.
  • Media room – Do you have a teenager who needs some privacy and a place to hang out, or do you love throwing home parties centered around films or sporting events? Consider turning your attic into a home theater.
  • Playroom – Perhaps you have smaller kids who need their own space to play without making the rest of the house a mess. Attics made great hideaways for kids, transporting them into their own little creative space.
  • Home office – Do you work from home, or wish you had your own space to pay bills or work on that novel you’ve always wanted to write? A quiet attic office could be just the thing you need.

Attic conversion considerations

While reclaiming your attic as usable living space helps you avoid some of the pitfalls of building a new addition, they do have their own particular set of challenges that you should consider before diving in.

  • Building codes – You’ll need to follow the “Rule of 7s” in your attic room, which states that at least half of your attic space if seven feet tall and seven feet wide and contains at least 70 square feet of space. Consult a civil engineering professional if you have questions about the building codes you need to adhere to. In addition, you will likely need to beef up floor joists so they can handle the extra weight of people and furnishings. If you’re planning to use your attic as a bedroom, it will also need at least two exits including a window and a staircase to the rest of the home.
  • Access – If your attic has a pull-down staircase, you’ll need to factor in building a permanent staircase. Straight staircases take up the most room but are easiest to construct. Switchback stairs or spiral staircases take up less room, but remember how much room you’ll need to maneuver furniture up into your new space.
  • Electrical/Plumbing/HVAC – You’ll need to bring in licensed contractors who can determine the requirements of your new space and how they will fit into the existing system of your home. If you’re thinking of adding a bathroom, it’s best to locate it over an existing bathroom or kitchen so you’ll have less plumbing to install. Heating and air conditioning system installation should also be one of your priorities. Attic insulation will keep the room’s temperature stable.

While tackling an attic conversion can be a big project, most homeowners find that in the end, having a brand new living space without constructing an addition was worth the effort.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Is an FHA Loan Right for You?

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Is an FHA Loan Right for You?

One of the most daunting challenges of buying a home is choosing and getting approved for a mortgage loan. There are many types of mortgages out there and if you’re unfamiliar with the differences between them and how they relate to your personal financial situation it might seem impossible to make a choice.

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of one particular type of mortgage – an FHA loan.

What is an FHA loan?

A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan is insured by the government and can be a good choice for homeowners with lower credit scores or those who don’t have much saved for a down payment. A credit score as low as 580 can still get you approved for an FHA loan, and it only requires a down payment of 3.5 percent of the purchase price. FHA loans are available as both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages and can also be used to refinance your home.

Advantages of an FHA loan

With such flexible qualifications an FHA loan is a great opportunity for those who may not otherwise be approved for a mortgage. Some of the specific advantages to this type of loan include:

  • It’s easier to use monetary gifts for your down payment.
  • It allows you to have a higher debt-to-income ratio than other conventional lenders might allow.
  • It allows first-time homebuyers who may not have 20 percent saved for a down payment access to a mortgage loan.
  • It allows those who may have had credit problems in the past to own a home.

It’s important to understand that the government is not the one lending the money for the home purchase, they are simply guaranteeing the loan should you default. This makes lenders more willing to approve loans for a wider range of people since there is minimal risk for them.

Potential disadvantages of an FHA loan

Getting an FHA loan seems like a no-brainer, right? While it sounds like the perfect type of loan, there are responsibilities and potential pitfalls you should understand before you decide.

  • Interest rates are typically higher for FHA loans.
  • Buyers are usually required to pay their own closing costs.
  • Some sellers may be less inclined to accept an offer from a buyer who is pre-approved for an FHA loan.
  • FHA loans may end up being more expensive in the long run. Borrowers must pay two mortgage insurance premiums. One is paid upfront at closing and the other is a percentage of the total loan price that is paid monthly.

Is an FHA loan right for you?

There is no one-size-fits-all mortgage for homebuyers in today’s market. An FHA loan is one opportunity that is available to homeowners who may be trying to get their financial lives in order but who don’t want to put off home ownership for too long.

In the end, it’s important for potential buyers to evaluate all the options available to them and to choose a loan after they’ve thoroughly considered all the pros and cons. A real estate professional can be a powerful ally who can help you better understand your choices and how those choices will affect you down the line.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Use Your Tax Refund On Your Home

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Use Your Tax Refund On Your Home

Have you filed your taxes yet?

We know — tax season isn’t anybody’s favorite time of the year (except, of course, for tax accountants). But if you’re expecting a refund, now is a great time to reinvest that money in your home. Whether you’ll be getting a check for a few hundred dollars or a few thousand, there are great ways you can put that money to good use.

Save it for a down payment

Are you hoping to buy a home in the near future? As you probably already know, you’ll be expected to put down a down payment — anywhere from 3.5 to 20 percent or more of the purchase price. If you’re expecting a refund in the thousands of dollars, adding it to your down payment savings account is a fantastic way to get yourself closer to home ownership. And if you manage to save more than 20 percent, you’ll eliminate the need to buy mortgage insurance, saving you even more money down the line.

Pay down your mortgage

Even if you have a great rate on your mortgage loan, making an extra payment will still help you save money in the long run. By paying off more of your mortgage early, you will pay less interest over time. You’ll build equity more quickly and will own your home outright sooner. You may also be able to eliminate the cost of mortgage insurance once some of your loan has been paid off.

Purchase additional insurance

An inevitable part of owning a home is also purchasing homeowner’s insurance. This protects you from liabilities should someone get injured on your property and sue you. Unfortunately, most homeowner insurance policies are not comprehensive. By purchasing umbrella insurance, you get additional protection once your primary insurance coverage limits are reached, and as an added bonus, it also applies to your vehicles. For around $300 a year, you get about $1 million in coverage. It’s a very small price to pay for peace of mind.

Audit your home’s energy usage

Leaky windows, drafty doors and energy-hogging appliances all needlessly eat up your money. If you’d like to find ways to cut your energy costs, consider using your tax refund for a home energy audit. While there are free programs available from many local power companies who will send out a professional to look at your home and offer advice about where to make changes, the biggest bang will be to hire a private firm to do a comprehensive audit of your home. While you’ll be paying more up front, the audit is much more detailed and could potentially save you up to 30 percent on your energy bills should you decide to implement their suggestions. Solar energy is a wonderfully sustainable way to power your home. Check out the products offered at Shop Solar Kits if you’re ready to use solar energy. You can also consider investing in a timberline solar shingle installation.

Make needed home repairs

If your refund is less than $1000, perhaps one of the best ways to use it is to make some needed home repairs that you’ve been putting off. You can repaint such as getting Residential Roof Coating Paint, do emergency plumbing, add some new landscaping, or buy a programmable thermostat. The money spent will go a long way to contributing to your overall enjoyment of your home.

While it may be tempting to splurge on a big treat, spending your tax refund wisely on your home can improve your financial health for the long haul.

When You Should – and Shouldn’t – DIY

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When You Should – and Shouldn’t – DIY

Are you starting to feel a little bored with your house? Are you daydreaming about making some changes? At some point, most homeowners want to spruce up their home a little bit – and may even try to handle some of those upgrades on their own. But beware – there are certain projects you can DIY, and some that you shouldn’t.

Go ahead and DIY these projects

If you’ve got the itch to get your hands dirty and feel a sense of accomplishment (and not to mention potentially save some money), these home improvement projects fit the bill. They can be easily done with a little bit of know-how and some elbow grease, without requiring too much expertise or special equipment.

  • Paint – If you want the biggest bang for your DIY buck, this is the best place to start. Painting a room, or even an accent wall or a piece of furniture, will quickly change the energy and aesthetic in a space without too much effort or expense on your part. The key to a good paint job is preparation – be sure to fill holes and sand them, and tape and protect anything you don’t want to find splattered later.
  • Update hardware – If you want to give a new look to your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, and easy DIY is to change out the hardware. All you need is a screwdriver and some time. Be sure to buy new pulls or knobs that match the existing holes.
  • Change out faucets – This is a great first-time plumbing DIY that can make a dramatic difference. If you have a wrench and know where to shut off your water, you can swap out a leaky faucet or upgrade to a more functional or designer model. Don’t worry – you can totally do this on your own, and think of how good you’ll feel when you’re done!
  • Install a chandelier on a dimmerInstalling a chandelier with a dimmer switch is not as hard as you think and can quickly transform your room into a cozy and inviting space. Be sure to buy special dimmable bulbs and turn the power off at the breaker box before you start.
  • Replace your showerheadReplacing a showerhead is so easy you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. You can upgrade your shower experience by installing a new model with special features like mood lights or massaging jets. You can even save money by going with a low-flow unit.

Hire a pro for these projects

Once you’ve gotten a few projects under your belt, you might feel like there isn’t any home improvement project you can’t DIY. However, there are certain things that should always be left to the pros, including:

  • Knocking down walls or building a new addition.
  • Repairing faulty wiring or other electrical work.
  • Repairing plumbing, clogged drain, Hydro jet pipe cleaning or replacing a faucet. You can contact pros like this drain cleaning contractor for that.
  • Installing new vinyl siding.
  • Replacing windows.
  • Hooking up a new gas appliance or conducting a gas line repair.
  • Installing new tile.
  • Refinishing a hardwood floor.
  • Repairing the roof.
  • Installing a new fence.
  • Anything that requires a permit, unless you are a professional. This could lead to serious problems when you try to sell later.

Once you understand what you should and shouldn’t attempt on your own, have fun! Tackling small DIY projects around your home will refresh and re-energize your space and make it feel like new again.

Compliments of Virtual Results

6 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Security Without Breaking the Bank

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6 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Security Without Breaking the Bank

You’ve spent countless hours and energy getting your home just perfect. You’ve labored over the right paint, the best furniture and even invested in some art. But have you put in enough thought about how you are protecting your home? While you can invest in a state-of-the-art system, there are plenty of ways to improve your home security systems without breaking the bank. Here are six that we recommend.

1. Install a surveillance system. While it may seem like it would be expensive, there are deals to be had on DIY home security systems. If you’re willing to spend a couple hundred dollars, you can outfit your home with a camera system that you set up yourself that constantly monitors your property. If peace of mind is your biggest priority and you have a little cash to spare, this is one of your best options.

2. Trim back the bushes. If your property has thick bushes or tall hedges, it offers more places for a burglar to hide. By keeping your trees and bushes trimmed and tidy so that you can see your neighbors, it also means that they can see you if anything suspicious happens on your property. While it’s nice to have a little privacy, don’t completely wall yourself in.

3. Light it up. Don’t give a criminal a leg up by providing lots of dark places in which to hide. Strategically place exterior lighting around your home, concentrating on walkways, entrances and garages. If you don’t want the expense of installing new lighting, considering swapping out some of the bulbs with motion-sensor lights that will alert you if there’s any activity in the area.

4. Beware of dog. There are plenty of reasons why dogs are man’s best friends. One of them is certainly because they tend to be protective of their owners. Dogs will often alert you if anything seems out of the ordinary and will deter most would-be thieves from breaking in for fear of being bitten. Don’t have a dog? You can still post a “beware of dog” sign in your window or on your gate or put a large dog bowl by your back door. Sometimes the suggestion itself is enough to scare off a potential burglar.

5. Make friends with your neighbors. While having a nosy neighbor can sometimes be a headache, use it to your advantage. Neighbors are usually the first ones to notice if something is amiss, so make sure to tell them when you are going to be out of town. It also helps to know your neighbors so if someone unfamiliar is snooping around they can be easily identified. If your community has a neighborhood watch program, join. Neighborhoods are stronger and safer when people come together and are all invested, so make sure to join your community’s Property Watch Association. You may also want to Start a Home Watch Business if you are serious and passionate about neighborhood watch.

6. Use common sense. The best home security doesn’t cost you a dime – it’s good, old-fashioned common sense. Be sure to close your garage door when you aren’t inside. Lock the gate to your backyard when not in use. Don’t leave valuables sitting outside unattended. Close and lock windows when you leave. Stop mail and newspaper deliveries when you are out of town so they don’t pile up. The best defense is always a good offense.

Compliments of Virtual Results

How to Sell Your Home When You Have Pets

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How to Sell Your Home When You Have Pets

Nobody wants to smell pet odors when they’re looking at a potential new home. Nor do they want to see piles of pet hair on the carpet. But are there ways to actually use your pet to your advantage when selling your home? Here’s a look at how best to deal with pets when your home is on the market.

Minimize the negative

Not every potential buyer is going to feel the same way about your pets as you do – especially if your beloved pet is something other than a dog or cat. Follow these tips to best minimize any negative consequences of pet ownership while you’re selling:

  • Repair any damage caused by the pets, including carpets, hardwood flooring, walls, furniture and outdoor areas. Your home is not ready for showing until these issues are addressed.
  • Remove pet stains and odors by having carpets and floors professionally cleaned. You may hire a professional carpet cleaning service to do the carpet cleaning. I highly recommend the carpet cleaning near me so check them out too.
  • Tidy up the yard, especially if you have a dog that spends a lot of time outside.
  • Relocate your pet during showings. Ideally, your home should be shown by an agent while you are away, but don’t leave your pets behind. Either have them boarded during the duration of the selling process, or at the very least take them with you when you leave for a showing. This is doubly true if your pet is something like a snake or lizard that may potentially scare a buyer. Visit https://SanDiegoFastCash.com/sell-my-house-fast-for-cash-carlsbad-ca for buyers that will purchase a house in any condition.
  • Clean, clean, clean. It cannot be emphasized enough – if your pet is not being boarded while you are selling, be sure to thoroughly clean and vacuum the house before each showing. Potential buyers could have allergies, or there could be lingering smells that you don’t notice because you’ve lived with them for so long. Smell has a powerful effect on our emotions, and you don’t want to lose a sale simply because the odor in your home left a buyer with a negative feeling.
  • Remove litter boxes, food and water bowls, and pet toys while the home is being shown. You can also bring your pets to the best dog boarding in Melbourne if you don’t want the potential buyers to be distracted during their home tour.

Maximize the positive

Conventional wisdom has always been that evidence of pet ownership put off potential buyers. But many experts are now challenging that idea. Sellers are beginning to find ways to use their pets to their advantage. After all, many people today share their home with their pets, and knowing that they’ll be able to do that in their new home could be a selling point. Here are some ways that you can maximize the positive:

  • Pets can help make an otherwise sterile home feel cozy and lived in. Sometimes including a cute and well-behaved pet in a photo will help make a space feel more livable. If strategically placed, a pet can even draw attention to a home’s best feature, such as a fireplace or picture window.
  • If your pet is exceptionally well-behaved (like a therapy dog), they can boost the perception of your home during a showing. But the pet needs to be calm and reassuring, and you should limit it to one pet.
  • Dogs and cats should be the only pets you might consider including. It is not advisable to include snakes or other types of pets that might make buyers uneasy.

Ultimately, the decision to include a pet should be discussed with your real estate professional. They understand your local market and will have a better idea of whether or not your pet could potentially be a selling point.

Compliments of Virtual Results